James Caan To Present New Small Business Series on CNBC

London, 19 September 2012 – CNBC, First in Business Worldwide, today announced that James Caan is to host a new series on CNBC, designed to help small and medium sized businesses grow and prosper.

The Business Class is a new seven-part series that will see entrepreneur and investor James Caan, joined by experts from a cross section of industries, looking at the challenges and opportunities faced by six UK businesses. The featured businesses are at different stages in their lifecycle, from start-up to those looking to raise finance, expand internationally and considering flotation or selling their business.

The Business Class will discuss the key issues facing today’s SMEs, the resources available to them and what is needed to become successful. Each 30 minute episode will feature an innovative business which is seeking guidance to help it grow in today’s market place. With James Caan’s impressive track record of creating and managing successful companies, he uses his first-hand experience to discuss the challenges and offer advice with the guest experts, each providing their own candid insight and growth strategy. The series will be filmed on location and in the studio, where CNBC will track how the CEOs react to the advice.

“Lots of people think about becoming an entrepreneur and starting their own business,” says James Caan. “This series will take a look at real businesses and help them navigate their way to greater success. I’m delighted to be part of a fresh new series which will not only look at the real issues facing small businesses today, but will give sound and relevant advice for all business – whatever their life stage.”

The Business Class debuts on 17 October at 10.00pm and will repeat at the weekend at 9.30pm (UK time). CNBC can be seen on Sky channel 505, Virgin 613 and Freesat 210.

John Casey, Vice President, News & Programming, CNBC International said, “Small businesses are the life blood of the economy and key to growth in the UK. The Business Class will help SMEs chart their way through the challenges of starting and growing a business and provide practical advice to help them achieve success.”

The first episode will feature LUX FIX, a members-only online fashion boutique. Founded in 2011, it offers customers exclusive discounts on a selection of current-season collections from the most exciting young and established British designers. The company is run by ex-Goldman Sachs analyst Alice Hastings-Bass and her childhood friend, digital marketing professional Rebecca Glenapp.

Companies featured in other episodes will include:

Kwickscreen – the manufacturer of portable, retractable, room dividers, based in in Battersea and with a factory in Corby

Imagematch Social Enterprise – based in Shrewsbury, an innovative training company working with young unemployed people to support them in the transition to permanent employment

Shutl – a branded web service company based in Shoreditch, enabling immediate and convenient delivery of online shopping

BrewDog – a craft brewer based in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire

Ovo Energy – a gas and electricity supplier based in Kemble, near Cirencester.

Visit the series’ dedicated website at businessclass.cnbc.com(which launches at the beginning of October) or follow the show on Twitter at #CNBCBizClass.